All state campgrounds are scheduled to close at noon on Saturday due to the approach of Hurricane Irene.

Cloe Poisson, Hartford Courant

Joe and Sue Nash, of Chestnut Ridge, New York, take down a tent at their campsite at Hammonasset Beach State Park as they prepare to leave a day early before Hurricane Irene hits the state this weekend. The Nashes have been camping at Hammonasset since 2007 and said they've always had good luck with weather. But they're not taking any chances this time and decided to head home early. The park has a mandatory evacuation deadline tomorrow (Saturday) at noon.

Joe and Sue Nash, of Chestnut Ridge, New York, take down a tent at their campsite at Hammonasset Beach State Park as they prepare to leave a day early before Hurricane Irene hits the state this weekend. The Nashes have been camping at Hammonasset since 2007 and said they've always had good luck with weather. But they're not taking any chances this time and decided to head home early. The park has a mandatory evacuation deadline tomorrow (Saturday) at noon. (Cloe Poisson, Hartford Courant)

Joe and Sue Nash, of Chestnut Ridge, New York, take down a tent at their campsite at Hammonasset Beach State Park as they prepare to leave a day early before Hurricane Irene hits the state this weekend. The Nashes have been camping at Hammonasset since 2007 and said they've always had good luck with weather. But they're not taking any chances this time and decided to head home early. The park has a mandatory evacuation deadline tomorrow (Saturday) at noon.